HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Wed 18 March 2026:

Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today: 👇🏼

◼️ All eyes on Mkhwanazi: Mkhwanazi’s testimony is highly anticipated, as he is expected to respond to allegations raised by previous witnesses and provide clarity on key issues that have emerged since his last appearance before the committee in October. He is expected to respond to allegations arising from his July media briefing, including the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and allegations made against him.
https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-03-18-all-eyes-on-mkhwanazi-as-ad-hoc-committee-wraps-up-explosive-hearings/

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◼️ Fake Kremlin-linked analyst planted stories in African media: Russian propagandists exploited Al tools like ChatGPT and fake personas to infiltrate mainstream media in Africa, spreading disinformation and pro-Kremlin narratives. Investigations by OpenAl and Code for Africa exposed the fictitious “Dr Manuel Godsin”, a synthetic identity used to launder Russian propaganda into media outlets. The campaign leveraged fake think tanks, social media networks, and Al-generated content to amplify disinformation, targeting platforms like Facebook, MSN, and African news sites.
https://www.news24.com/southafrica/news/ai-expert-exposed-fake-kremlin-linked-analyst-planted-stories-in-african-media-20260318-0560

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◼️ Checkers ad ruled misleading: The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled that a TikTok advertisement for Checkers Sixty60, Shoprite Checkers’ grocery delivery service, is misleading. Featuring a helicopter delivering groceries to a houseboat, the ad creates an inaccurate impression of the service’s delivery capabilities. The ARB found that it falsely implied Checkers Sixty60 delivers “anywhere” along the West Coast, which does not align with the service’s actual coverage. A consumer’s complaint pointed out two key issues: the unrealistic portrayal of helicopter deliveries and the service’s unavailability in certain areas, such as St Helena Bay.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/5-things/854237/checkers-ad-ruled-misleading-and-major-law-firm-sends-a-warning-to-south-africa/

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◼️ Two new laws for pension funds: This is according to legal experts at Webber Wentzel, who said these developments significantly strengthen the mechanisms available to ensure that employers pay retirement fund contributions on time. The first change took effect on 8 January 2026 when the Minister of Employment and Labour withdrew a long-standing variation notice that had been in place since 2003.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/finance/854032/two-new-laws-for-pension-funds-in-south-africa/

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◼️ Friendly warning for South Africans: According to the RTMC, roughly 700,000 vehicle licence discs and 128,080 driving licence cards have expired or will expire before the long weekend from 3 to 6 April 2026. “Motorists who intend travelling over the Easter long weekend are advised to check the validity of their vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards now and renew to avoid delays and embarrassment later,” it said. The RTMC encourages motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs through the eNatis platform, with delivery in three to five working days.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/motoring/633489-friendly-warning-for-south-africans-with-expired-driving-licences-and-licence-discs.html

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